McGuigan agrees new Chiefs deal

Byron McGuigan has spoken of his delight after today agreeing terms on a new one-year deal with Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.

The 25-year-old Namibian is the latest name to commit his future to the Devon club, having initially arrived at Sandy Park on a short-term deal to cover compatriot Chrysander Botha.

McGuigan, who has previously played for Border Bulldogs, Glasgow Warriors and Bay of Plenty, featured 17 times for the Chiefs last season, scoring three tries - including one on the final day of the season against Sale Sharks.

His on-field displays certainly earned him plenty of plaudits and his decision to stay with the Chiefs has been welcomed by the club’s coaching staff, who were keen to keep hold of the versatile back.

McGuigan, who has represented Scotland at both A level and Sevens, has spoken of his joy that he will be plying his trade in the Premiership and Champions Cup for the 2015/16 season.

“I’m very happy to be staying with the Chiefs, I really enjoyed last season; I love being part of the club and I always said I wanted to stay here in Exeter,” said McGuigan.

“From day one it’s been an awesome experience for me – the players, the coaches, people around the club and the fans’ – they’ve all been brilliant and made me feel very welcome.

“Already working with the coaches here I know my game has improved a lot and it’s been great to be part of a squad that have done so well. Last season we got to a final, a semi-final in Europe and we just missed out on the play-offs, so I know this is a club moving in the right direction.

“Looking ahead, I know the make-up of the squad next year looks very strong, so hopefully we can work hard again and maybe go that one step further.”

With his immediate future sorted, McGuigan knows he can report back for pre-season next month fully focused on looking to cement his spot within Rob Baxter’s first-team plans.

“Knowing I’m here for another year at least, I know I can come into pre-season, get my head down and focus on trying to get into the first team again,” he explained.

“Because I’ve been here for a while now, I don’t feel like a new-boy any more, I know the guys, they know me, so it’s all good. I just want to do my best in training and in games and help the Chiefs as best I can.”